🏛️ Culture

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu, Nepal

About Kathmandu Durbar Square

The old royal square of Kathmandu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of palaces, pagodas and courtyards, some still being restored after the 2015 earthquake. It's home to the Kumari Ghar, residence of the Kumari, the living goddess, who sometimes appears at her window. Foreigners pay an entry fee (NPR 1,000 in 2026), which includes the palace museums.

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📍Basantapur, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

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✓ Comfortable to visit on your own.
✓ Budget-friendly ($).

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Pashupatinath Temple

Nepal's holiest Hindu temple complex, on the banks of the Bagmati River. Only Hindus may enter the main temple, but visitors can explore the ghats, shrines and cremation terraces, which are moving to watch respectfully from across the river. The evening aarti, with lamps and chanting, starts around 6–7pm; foreigners pay an entry fee (NPR 1,000).

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Boudhanath Stupa

One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its huge white dome crowned by the watchful eyes of the Buddha and ringed with prayer flags. The surrounding square is lined with Tibetan monasteries, shops and rooftop cafés. Come in the early evening, when pilgrims walk the kora clockwise around the stupa spinning prayer wheels.

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Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

An ancient hilltop stupa on the western edge of Kathmandu and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nicknamed the Monkey Temple after the troupes that live here. The steep eastern stairway of 365 steps leads up to the painted eyes of the stupa and wide views over the valley — great at sunrise or sunset. Keep food out of sight: the monkeys are bold.

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